The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1887-08-18
AN OPEN RIVER.

The result of the recent Waterway
convention in Astoria is gratifying in
that il has awakened some of the people
in Oregon and Washington to knowi-
edge of the Importance of the early open
ing Of the Columbia river to navigation
through the Cascades and the Daues OBJ
structions- Here is river that drains by
itself and tributaries, nine-tenths of the
Pacific northwest. 1t is the outlet pro-
yided by nature for the commerce of this
vast empire. Its bosom is broad enough
to float the river craft of America, and
the navy of Great Britain could anchor
within q dozen miles OF its mouth, IN
fresh water. It is q surer remedy for
overcharges by railroads than all the in
terstate commissions ever appointed.
Once open to traffic river craft would in
crease in numbers, ship building would
receive q wonderful impetus, and every
industry be stimulated. 1t would enable
local lines of railroad, built and operated
by local capital, to tap every district
along the Snake and Columbia rivers
and bring its products to the steamers
plvinQ on their waters. 1t would enable
the farmer TO get more for his grain, the
stockraiser more for his beef, and the
sheepovner more for his wool. 1t would
prove the greatest boon TO the people of
Oregon, Idaho and Washington that
could be granted or secured.
Heretofore we have waited for con-
Rress to make the necessary improve.
ments. Although millions have been
sQuandered in useless naval ornaments
idle junketing parties and commissions
and a hundred other criminal ways, the
river and harbor bill, the only bill which
Is of real value to the country's commerce
and people, is always fought, and cut
down, and often set one side altogether
At the last session of congress the bill
appropriating several million dollars fol
naval vessels for which we have no need
was rushed through and signed by tn,
President. The river and harbor bill wa
pushed and pulled through in a dilapi
dated state, and vetoed by the sam,
President. This is likely to occur again
The river and harbor bill is looked upol
by many as q big steal. Its true merit
are concealed by interested parties, an,
the average congressman thinks more o
Igetting q speech into the Congressions
Record than of investigating for himself
But something must be done. Il
await the slow and tortorous course o
lcongress is useless and exasperatins
Local action is necessary and fitting
The state should take hold of the wor
lof improvement within its borders, an
with what assistance can be obtaine
from the National government 60 ahea
and complete the same. It would pa
the State of Oregon to approprist
81 .0o0, 900 yearly for such improvements
and continue to do so until steamer
could carry a tow of barges from Levi:
ton TO Astoria without an hours delay, @
the necessity of breaking bulk.
The press of the state should agitat
this from now until the next session @
the legislature. Let the opening of th
Columbia river be the one great measur
to be insisted on, and see that legislator
are elected upon that issue. The interes
should not be allowed TO wane. A FIRE
and open river is safeguard against 81
tortion of which no one can deprive u.s.
lAlbinQ Courier.